How to Plan a Fundraiser

Receive the latest inc-well updates in your inbox

You don't need us to tell you that running a business, plus juggling your day-to-day expenses as an entrepreneur is a bit tricky. Nobody likes a moocher, but if you find yourself in the position to be holding your first fundraiser, the last thing you'd want is for it to be a faceplanting catastrophe.

Wheaton-based Jennifer Taylor has a great post on this very topic over at builtinchicago.org.

In a way, it helps to think of your event as its own tiny business -- Taylor suggests starting off by creating a mission statement for your fundraiser. "State what your fundraiser is about, where the money raised will go, and create a compelling call to action." she explains. "Include this information in your marketing materials."

So, not only will that help time-crunched editors get the gist quickly, but it'll keep you focused and on task as you plan the rest of it. Other good tips include remembering to make the event fun (free pizzas go a long way if you're depending on volunteers), set a budget (so you don't lose money when you're trying to raise it), and consider courting a sponsorship (which helps financially, but also with word of mouth.)

David Wolinsky is a freelance writer and a lifelong Chicagoan. In addition to currently serving as an interviewer-writer for Adult Swim, he's also a columnist for EGM. He was the Chicago city editor for The Onion A.V. Club where he provided in-depth daily coverage of this city's bustling arts/entertainment scene for half a decade. When not playing video games for work he's thinking of dashing out to Chicago Diner, Pizano's, or Yummy Yummy. His first career aspirations were to be a game-show host.